Police investigating child care impersonators

State police are investigating at least three suspicious incidents of people impersonating Department of Children and Families workers.

The latest incident happened on Monday. State police said three people showed up to a house in Sunderland and told a resident they were there for a Child Protection Services investigation. Police said the suspects actually picked the child up, but luckily the adult resisted. The people left.

Jim Forbes of DCF said a child cannot be taken away without a court order. He said a homeowner has the right to ask someone for identification and that every responding DCF worker should be able to show a state-issued ID with the state seal and the agency's name on it.

Forbes said staff at DCF has been notified to expect a bit of interrogation from house calls. It's something employees said they are okay with because to them, the idea of people impersonating workers from the department is worrisome.

"It's certainly concerning to us because our primary mission is really the safety of children and working with families to strengthen them and keep kids safe. This kind of behavior certainly goes counter to that," said Forbes.

DCF employees said any responding worker should be able to articulate why they are at a house.

Forbes suggests calling local DCF offices to verify employment or even 911 if people seem suspicious.

The other two reported incidents happened in St. Johnsbury and in Lyndonville.

Police are asking for any information about any of the impersonators to contact the police barracks in Saint Johnsbury or Shaftsbury.

People can also send in an anonymous tip by texting "CRIMES" or 274637.

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